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First off: This should not be considered legal advice. The laws vary from state to state and even some simple principles could apply outside of the US. If you have a question consult appropriate legal counsel and know your local laws.
You look behind you and see the flashing lights
1- Pull to your right and slow down. Look for a safe spot to stop. If you are on a freeway, consider if it's safe and practical to exit the freeway- Drive at the speed limit and acknowledge the Officer with a hand signal that you are going to get off the freeway and pull over in a safe location.
2- As you stop, take deep breath and relax. Remember Cops are people too. Drop any attitude and deal with the Officer like you would talk to a customer or a cow-orker while at work. Don't use terms like "dude or man". If you wanna be a kiss ass- refer to the Officer by their title (Officer, Deputy, Trooper, Ranger... or what ever the appropriate title is for that Officer- they work for a living.)
3- Once stopped, roll down both the passenger side windows. DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR unless you are told to. If you have people in the back roll all windows down if you have a 4dr. If it's night time- turn on your interior lights.
Place your hands on your steering wheel and WAIT for the Officer to instruct you to get your license, registration and proof of insurance. Don't make any movements unless you have to.
4- Don't admit guilt. "Do you know how fast you were going?"- 98% you will hang yourself with the answer due to being nervous. THINK before you answer.
5- Don't drop names. If your Uncle is Sgt. Jones with the same agency... by all means ask if he's on duty. The Officer will ask "why?" and say "He'd kick my ass for being pulled over and I won't hear the end of it!"... Just don't say "MY UNCLE IS A SGT.!"
6- If you get a ticket and are unclear on the violation; ask the officer for an explanation in a respectful manner. Answer the officerÂ's questions and ask your own questions in a calm and courteous manner. Remember, if you disagree with the ticket, you will have an opportunity to go to court. The ticket aside, if you believe that the officer acted irresponsibly or inappropriately, you should most certainly call the agency and ask to speak with a shift supervisor after the traffic stop is done.
Your attitude, actions and demeanor will greatly dictate the difference between getting a break, getting just one violation or a full courtesy vehicle inspection and/or being impounded.
Did I miss anything? No, I'm not a LEO, but years ago I used to play one on TV. ;D
You look behind you and see the flashing lights
1- Pull to your right and slow down. Look for a safe spot to stop. If you are on a freeway, consider if it's safe and practical to exit the freeway- Drive at the speed limit and acknowledge the Officer with a hand signal that you are going to get off the freeway and pull over in a safe location.
2- As you stop, take deep breath and relax. Remember Cops are people too. Drop any attitude and deal with the Officer like you would talk to a customer or a cow-orker while at work. Don't use terms like "dude or man". If you wanna be a kiss ass- refer to the Officer by their title (Officer, Deputy, Trooper, Ranger... or what ever the appropriate title is for that Officer- they work for a living.)
3- Once stopped, roll down both the passenger side windows. DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR unless you are told to. If you have people in the back roll all windows down if you have a 4dr. If it's night time- turn on your interior lights.
Place your hands on your steering wheel and WAIT for the Officer to instruct you to get your license, registration and proof of insurance. Don't make any movements unless you have to.
4- Don't admit guilt. "Do you know how fast you were going?"- 98% you will hang yourself with the answer due to being nervous. THINK before you answer.
5- Don't drop names. If your Uncle is Sgt. Jones with the same agency... by all means ask if he's on duty. The Officer will ask "why?" and say "He'd kick my ass for being pulled over and I won't hear the end of it!"... Just don't say "MY UNCLE IS A SGT.!"
6- If you get a ticket and are unclear on the violation; ask the officer for an explanation in a respectful manner. Answer the officerÂ's questions and ask your own questions in a calm and courteous manner. Remember, if you disagree with the ticket, you will have an opportunity to go to court. The ticket aside, if you believe that the officer acted irresponsibly or inappropriately, you should most certainly call the agency and ask to speak with a shift supervisor after the traffic stop is done.
Your attitude, actions and demeanor will greatly dictate the difference between getting a break, getting just one violation or a full courtesy vehicle inspection and/or being impounded.
Did I miss anything? No, I'm not a LEO, but years ago I used to play one on TV. ;D
